CHAPTER 29
Protest and Stagnation: The Western World, 1965-1985
"The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win."
- Leonid Breshnev
"If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."
- Margaret Thatcher
"The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win."
- Leonid Breshnev
"If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."
- Margaret Thatcher
CHAPTER 29: PROTEST AND STAGNATION: THE WESTERN WORLD, 1965-1985
The second half of the Cold War saw both Eastern and Western Europe sink into a state of economic stagnation, but societal and political values changed in response to decades of war, uncertainty, and struggle. Young people of the west expressed their discontent with the state of the world through various social movements, in particular during the turbulent year that was 1968. Attitudes about sex, gender, race, imperialism, education, war, and politics barely resembled the attitudes of the early 20th century. Perhaps for this reason, the 20th century was nicknamed "The Short Century", since historians believe it really started in 1914. During the 1960's through the 1980's, Western and Eastern Europe developed different political, social, and economic identities, as Eastern Europe was subjected to continued repression from the Soviet Union. The United States entered the world stage in a new light as it entered the Second Vietnam War- a conflict that was very unpopular both at home and abroad, and seen as an extension of imperialist policies. At the same time, science and technology merged to revolutionize life itself and create a new frontier: the space race and advent of the computer, as well as new ideas about gender inequality, the meaning of life, and humanity itself were questioned and expressed as abstract concepts through art and entertainment.
The second half of the Cold War saw both Eastern and Western Europe sink into a state of economic stagnation, but societal and political values changed in response to decades of war, uncertainty, and struggle. Young people of the west expressed their discontent with the state of the world through various social movements, in particular during the turbulent year that was 1968. Attitudes about sex, gender, race, imperialism, education, war, and politics barely resembled the attitudes of the early 20th century. Perhaps for this reason, the 20th century was nicknamed "The Short Century", since historians believe it really started in 1914. During the 1960's through the 1980's, Western and Eastern Europe developed different political, social, and economic identities, as Eastern Europe was subjected to continued repression from the Soviet Union. The United States entered the world stage in a new light as it entered the Second Vietnam War- a conflict that was very unpopular both at home and abroad, and seen as an extension of imperialist policies. At the same time, science and technology merged to revolutionize life itself and create a new frontier: the space race and advent of the computer, as well as new ideas about gender inequality, the meaning of life, and humanity itself were questioned and expressed as abstract concepts through art and entertainment.
Click below to download the Chapter 29 Spielvogel slides.
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Click below to download the Chapter 28 and 29 Reading Packet
ch_28_and_29_reading_packet.pdf | |
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Chapter 29 Reading Guide:
ch_29_reading_guide_spielvogel.docx | |
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Chapter 29 - RCQ
ch._29_reading_guide_rcq.docx | |
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This Epic Rap Battles of History video between Stalin and Rasputin may seem out of place, but actually summarizes the evolution of Soviet /Russian leadership through the 20th century. Featuring cameo appearances from Lenin, Gorbachev, and Putin!
May 1968: Paris Riots are Commemorated 50 years later.
Follow this link to a New York Times article on the legacy of the 1968 student riots on the 50th anniversary.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/world/europe/france-may-1968-revolution.html
This article is on the printed posters that defined the movement:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/05/04/arts/design/may-1968-paris.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur
Dr. Seuss- The Butter Battle Book!
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/world/europe/france-may-1968-revolution.html
This article is on the printed posters that defined the movement:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/05/04/arts/design/may-1968-paris.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur
Dr. Seuss- The Butter Battle Book!
America in the 20th century: The Cold War